Chvilevaite is an extremely rare sodium-bearing copper sulfide mineral primarily found in hydrothermal ore deposits. Collectors typically encounter it as small, yellowish metallic grains associated with other sulfide minerals like sphalerite and galena.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Light Yellow

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Chvilevaite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Light Yellow
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this chvilevaite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch chvilevaite with a known reference. Chvilevaite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chvilevaite leaves a light yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Chvilevaite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: granular aggregates, irregular grains.

Often confused with

Chvilevaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Chalcopyrite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Chvilevaite leaves light yellow, Chalcopyrite leaves greenish-black.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Chvilevaite leaves light yellow, Cubanite leaves black.

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Often found alongside chvilevaite

Minerals reported to co-occur with chvilevaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Na(Cu,Fe,Zn)₂S₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 4.15 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow
Streak: Light Yellow
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Granular Aggregates, Irregular Grains
Cleavage: None Observed
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Vein Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find chvilevaite

Classic worldwide localities

Akjame ore deposit, Russia
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal vein deposits country — that is the host setting where chvilevaite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular aggregates, irregular grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify chvilevaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is light yellow. Common colors include yellow, brownish-yellow.

Where is chvilevaite found?+

Notable localities include Akjame ore deposit, Russia; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada.

How much is chvilevaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is chvilevaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper and sulfide components; avoid dust inhalation and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like chvilevaite?+

Chvilevaite is most often confused with Chalcopyrite, Cubanite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with chvilevaite?+

Chvilevaite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Sphalerite, Chalcopyrite, Digenite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does chvilevaite form in?+

Chvilevaite typically forms in hydrothermal vein deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is chvilevaite used for?+

Chvilevaite is used in collector.

Find chvilevaite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.